Mozambique & Zimbabwe Explorer

14 Days,
Johannesburg to Victoria Falls

A short African safari packed with extras

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select.

Visiting 3 countries: South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe

Get ready for an awesome exploration of two amazing African destinations! After a spot of game viewing in the mighty Kruger National Park, don your swimsuit and sprawl out on Mozambique's dreamy white sand beaches – the perfect complement to days spent checking out Zimbabwe's world-renowned animal reserves. Forget choosing between sea and safari – on this wild adventure, you’ll get the best of both worlds.

Itinerary

Day 1:
Johannesburg, South Africa to Kruger National Park

You came to see animals, right? Today it's all about the famed Kruger National Park, passing panoramic scenery and dramatic escarpment views. From the dwarf mongoose to the 'Big Five', almost every major African mammal (over 145 species) is free to roam the enormous area of the park, which also boasts prolific birdlife and over 330 varieties of trees. Over two nights within the Kruger area, we have the chance to enjoy the spectacle of Shangaan tribal dancing and singing, as well as a full day's game drive in the park itself to spot as many animals as possible.

Meals:
-Dinner

Day 2:
Kruger National Park

Keep watch for as many of Africa's diverse wildlife as you can. Lions, elephants, buffaloes and giraffes are a pretty safe bet, while cheetahs and leopards are a bit harder to find. Will you be the one to spot these speedy big cats? Make sure you have a list of some of the animals that you can tick off during the full day's game drive (think: wildlife bingo). You'll be the toast of the campsite if you manage to spot an elusive honey badger.

Included today:
-Kruger National Park game drive

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner

Day 3:
Kruger National Park to Xai Xai, Mozambique

The town of Xai Xai is situated on the banks of the stunning Limpopo River, which flows in a wide, fertile plain where rice is predominantly cultivated. Our accommodation is situated on the stretch of the Xai Xai beach, which has a coral reef running parallel to the shore, offering superb snorkelling and swimming opportunities.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner

Day 4:
Xai Xai to Inhambane

Onwards to the dramatically beautiful region of Inhambane, know for its world-class scuba diving. This place packs some spectacular reefs and (almost) guaranteed manta ray sightings. Add the haunting songs of humpback whales coming close to shore in winter and the chance to get face-to-face with whale sharks, and you'll see why everyone raves about this place.

Day 5:
Inhambane

Take advantage of Inhambane's naturally stunning surrounds by setting out on a jam-packed day of optional horse riding, snorkelling and scuba diving. The natural vegetation of the coastal plain is dune forest, which has mostly been replaced by millions of coconut palms, planted by the Portuguese and local Bitonga to supply the thriving copra trade. Tofo is home to loads of fun-loving bars and restaurants, where you can sample the local seafood and throw back bottles of 2M (the local beer) which the area is famous for.

Day 6:
Inhambane to Vilanculos

Hello, Vilanculos! Think: hammocks strung among the palm trees, golden, near-deserted beaches and warm azure waters teeming with life. You could totally get used to this place.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner

Day 7:
Vilanculos

Today we take a traditional dhow boat safari to Magaruque Island, the third island in the archipelago and the closest to stunning Vilanculos. Enjoy this captivating spot your own way, with bucketloads of activities on offer like snorkelling, swimming and nature walking. Catch some African rays as you hike to the ruins of a 19th century fort, and indulge in a mouth-watering local seafood lunch under the shady palm fringes.

Included today:
-Dhow boat safari

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner

Day 8:
Vilanculos to Bandula

Ready for a drive day? Today we make our way to Bandula, whizzing past some amazing scenery as we go.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner

Day 9:
Bandula to Masvingo, Zimbabwe

Today we set a course for Masvingo. From here, we'll pay a visit to the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the place which gave the country its name. Later, we'll camp out in the foothills and explore the ancient nooks and crannies of this intriguing city.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner

Day 10:
Masvingo to Bulawayo

Off we go to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city. This place boasts broad tree-lined avenues and wide open spaces. Head to the fascinating National History Museum, which recounts much of Zimbabwe's traditional and colonial past, and then peruse the lively curio market near the Old Town Hall. A vast collection of handicrafts and artwork made by skilful craftsmen and women are on display here, so be sure to nab yourself a local treasure.

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner

Day 11:
Bulawayo to Matobo National Park

Next up: the impressive Matobo National Park. Get the lowdown on this breathtaking area, just a short distance outside of Bulawayo, with our knowledgeable local guides. The wind-sculpted Matobo Hills are the site of numerous Bushman paintings, and the area has a special cultural and spiritual importance to the indigenous people that live here.

Included today:
-Half Day Matobo National Park game drive & wilderness walk

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner

Optional activities:
-Matobo National Park full day tour upgrade

Day 12:
Matobo National Park to Hwange National Park

Bid farewell to Matobo and get ready for the world-famous Hwange National Park. Zimbabwe's largest and best known game park was (in the early 19th century) the royal hunting ground of the Ndebele warrior king Mzilikazi, and in 1929 was set aside as a National Park. The park covers an area of over 14,600 square kilometres and is particularly well known for its 'Big Five' population (hint: leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo). Later in the afternoon we head out for a game drive, hoping to glimpse the abundance of wildlife in the park before returning to our camp at dusk for overnight.

Included today:
-Khami Ruins visit
-Hwange National Park game drive

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner

Day 13:
Hwange National Park to Victoria Falls

Leaving Hwange National Park, we make our way to the powerful Victoria Falls where we have the opportunity to marvel at the spectacular site, as well as the mighty Zambezi River. The Zambezi boasts one of the world's highest rated rivers for pure white river rafting, with its many challenging (as well as novice) rapids.

Post Victoria Falls gazing, you have the chance to explore the area at leisure. Choose to cross the border for a day to visit the neighbouring town of Livingstone in Zambia; or take a leap of faith bungy jumping to the foot of the falls. From optional game walks, helicopter flights or jet boating to name a few, Victoria Falls will capture your imagination and validate the myths of the African spirit.